1939-1942 Ted Williams Rookie Era Pro-Model Bat

Exceptionally rare Hillerich & Bradsby signature model bat (predating model numbers), dating from the earliest years of Ted Williams' career, displays heavy game use throughout its entire length including ball marks, deeply embedded stitch marks, rack marks, grain swelling and cleat marks. This is the one of the very few rookie-era Ted Williams bats known to exist. This bat also, of course, dates from the era of Williams' legendary 1941 season in which he hit .406. Quite a few Ted Williams bats have survived, but almost all date from the late 1940s or 1950s. All of the manufacturer's stampings remain distinct and legible. There is a tiny one-inch dent on the reverse/underside of the barrel that is very minor and in no way detracts from the bat's presentation or exceptional aesthetic appeal. Although the bat's labeling period spans the years 1934-44, Williams did not make his Major League debut until 1939, and he missed the entire 1943-45 seasons due to military service, thus allowing for a more precise dating of this bat to between the years 1939 and 1942. That was an especially prolific period for Williams, as he recorded batting averages of .327, .344, .406 and .356, respectively, during those four seasons. Regarded by many as the greatest hitter of all time, he finished his career with a .344 lifetime average, 521 home runs, 1,839 RBI and two Triple Crown titles. Ted Williams was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1966 and continues to hold the distinction as being the last man in either league to hit over .400. A Ted Williams rookie-era bat stands far above late 1940s and 1950s style Ted Williams bats both in terms of rarity and desirability. This is one of only four rookie-era Ted Williams bats seen by MEARS to date, and as defined by its near perfect grade, it is an ideal example. (This bat was very conservatively downgraded a half point due to the small dent on the underside of the barrel. It would otherwise be a perfect A8.) Length: 35 inches. Weight: 40 ounces. Graded A7.5 by Mears. This bat has been consigned to this auction directly from the personal collection of world-renowned bat authenticator David Bushing. LOA from Dave Bushing and Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $5,000. Estimate $10,000/$15,000.SOLD FOR $11,600.00

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